Shifting into a way different gear!!

So, if you haven't noticed I have. I haven't posted anything for over a week now. Some may wonder why and some of you may not have even noticed.Well, there is good reason I haven't posted. Since March 29th my life has been crazy, and the last two weeks I received even more unexpected news.  My life has changed in the last two weeks and has made me re-think all my goals that I have set for myself this year. I have wanted to post about it and talk about it but wasn't sure how and if I really wanted to post this news to the public.
 However, in two days I am suppose to be running the Newport Marathon. I have told everyone about it and I have been working really hard to get there even with life's bumps that have been thrown my way. Now, I have to tell everyone I am not running Newport. This will be my second Did Not Finish (DNF) for this year and I am not sure how I feel about that. However, on the plus side I did find out that I can't run the Newport Marathon because I am 8 weeks pregnant. Yep, this baby is a miracle. Some how in all this mess of two months Heavenly Father thought this would be the  best time to bless me with a baby.

Now I know there is this unwritten rule that you don't tell anyone this news until you are out of your first trimester. I know some people live hard and fast by this rule and that's okay. The problem with that for me is that in two days people are going to start asking me about my race and I either have to bold face lie to them or just tell them the good news. Now, I know there are still risks and this baby could still miscarry If that happens I know there are people out there that would support me and help me like they have over the past two months.I have always thought it was funny that the first 12 weeks can be the hardest. THese 12 twelve weeks can make a woman incredibly sick, but we as women try so hard to cover this up. "What you just saw me throw up behind that bush? Must have been something I ate. Oh crap I gotta throw up again!" Come on wouldn't it just be better to admit you are pregnant and sick. If others new this wouldn't it make it a lot easier for them to help you?

 Now, I am not a stranger to losing a baby early on. When I was pregnant the last time, which was 8 years ago, I had an ectopic pregnancy. Not only did I lose a baby but I had to have surgery and this added to my infertility. At that time only my family and one close friend new. My family didn't live close by and my sweet friend did support me but I was lonely. I hadn't told anyone so no one knew and not only did I have to recover physically but emotionally too and nobody knew so nobody was there to help.
    So, yep this baby to me is a miracle and no matter what happens as long as I keep faith in my Heavenly Fathers plan I will be just fine. His plan has never failed me yet. If I am thrown another bump in the road in the next few weeks I know He and others will be there to help lift me up. I know that you will shift to a higher gear to help me. Lets be postive and just say I am going to be just fine. I still will need your help. I have been thinking of new goals to set for myself and I will need your help to achieve them. In January I will have a new baby and I know  I will need help then to give me support to handle all the joys and hard work a new baby brings. Plus I will so need your help to lose the baby weight that I am so scared is coming. (I swear you can already tell I am pregnant. Totally scary.)

So, right now I am totally shifting into a different and higher gear. I still plan on covering some ground so I hope you will find ways in your life to shift gears and cover ground with me over the next 9 months. 

Keep shifting.

Corrine

Because of my history I have already been to the doctor. We saw our little bean and saw a strong heart beat.

Ogden 1/2 Recap

Check one goal off the list! Ogden 1/2 accomplished!

I had so much fun running this race and it was such a beautiful run.  I am already planning to run next year.

Friday I was getting ready and I was wondering how to pack.  The forecast for the morning was low 40's but that was for the  city of Ogden not up in the mountains.  Trying to figure everything out I got frustrated and really wished I could talk to my dad and ask him what he was going to bring.  I had my moment and realized it was time I learned to do this on my own.  So, I overpacked!

We met up with my BFF from High school at the Expo she has a cabin in Ogden Canyon that we were going to stay at with her and her family.  Turned out to be a great experience.  She was able to drive us over the the start line and we were able to stay in bed a few more minutes.  It was a cold 32 degrees when we showed up that morning but we decided to drop our warm shirts at the start line rather than run with them for 5 miles.  It was a good choice because the first mile of the run was a gradual hill and by the time we got to the top we were nice and warm.  The rest of the run was a gradual decent from out of the mountains into the valley.

During my training runs at about mile 8 I was always spent and ready to be done.  During the race mile 8 came and I thought wow I feel pretty good!  Mile 10 came around and I still felt pretty good.  I couldn't believe it I was going to finish this race strong! And then mile 11 came (que evil music) and then my legs felt like lead.  We had been running with or next to these three ladies we deemed the purple shirt sisters.  They were walk running and would yell out 30 seconds, now run!  We pulled way ahead of them at one point and then at mile 10 we stopped to stretch a little bit and they ran ahead of us.  I wasn't able to catch them, but I think my step mom could have.  She knew I wasn't running like before and she stayed with me.  She said to me when I was having a hard time running, "this is when you run for your dad and you hope he is the wind at your back."  I sort of got a little teary eyed and kept pushing.

We finished the race in the time we had planned, pretty much the exact time we thought we would finish! Even though we didn't take a Garmin or worry about our time the whole race AND with a potty break and stopping to stretch.  We felt good about our efforts.  Hooray for a downhill race! :)  We really did have a great time.

I'm ready to run hard this summer and improve my times and distances.   This race was empowering for me, and I feel more confident than ever.

Keep shifting!
Josie

Spotlight of the week!!

Michelle on the right, Jen in the middle and their new running partner on the left.

So I am excitied today to do another spotlight. A friend, Michelle, sent me an email to tell me about her friend and running partner. However, Michelle doesn't know this but today is going to be a double spotlight.  You see I am going to tell on Michelle for the kindness she has shown me. Michelle and I have been talking in emails and facebook. She is the one who got me to run Newport. Running this spring in preparation for this marathon has been a saving grace for me. It felt so good everyday to have a goal and go running. It has also been nice talking with Michelle about training. Also, the week my Dad died I was in Poky and contacted Michelle. We went on a run together. Now as a runner I did everything you are not suppose to do before a long run. I had to get all new clothes. (forgot mine at home) Had to borrow Michelle's shoes. (which she loaned me for the whole week) I hadn't eaten or slept very well all week. We went for 14 miles. I totally and completely DIED. I have never been so sick on a run before, but Michelle was so patient and so kind. That run was something I needed to do even though I felt like crap and it was so nice to have someone who was so patient and understanding there with me. Thanks Michelle for shifting gears that day and helping me out. You are going to rock this marathon. (did I mention this is her first marathon and I really think she is going to kick butt)

 Now, on to our second spotlight. I love the things Michelle had to say about Jen. It is exactly what I am talking about when I say shift to a higher gear to help someone else out. I know my first spotlight Mike is doing something huge and amazing but you don't have run across the state of Idaho to shift to a higher gear. I want to celebrate all the things people are doing on a daily basis no matter how big or small they may seem. However, Go Mike. Lets keep checking on him and give him our support on his facebook page or his blog. https://www.facebook.com/#!/MikesExtraMile

So Michelle told me all about her new friend and running partner Jen. She says that she met Jen on the soccer fields where their sons played together and they decided to start running together. Running sealed the deal. Here are Michelle's words on Jen

  From the beginning of this whole marathon training experience, she has been so positive and encouraging towards me.  If it wouldn't have been for her, I doubt I would have started training for this.  She has honestly made this whole process so much FUN!  She just randomly does nice things for me, like picking me up an extra gel when she's buying some for herself, etc.  The other day, she showed up with this cute, bright yellow basket full of flowers and colorful treats and a big drink.  She had a cute note taped to the front with a picture of a big sun that said "Sending you a LITTLE BOX OF SUNSHINE to brighten your day as you always brighten mine".  It was so sweet and it did make my day!  Even though her marathon is 1 week behind mine, she's been willing to follow my "training plan", even though she'll technically be a week off.  She's just thoughtful like that.  OH, and how could I forget she took us out and bought us a big breakfast after a 16 mi run on my bday!  She volunteered her husband to work on me a couple times when my hip was giving me grief. We ran a  22 miler a couple weeks ago  and it was actually enjoyable because of the great company.

 A couple more things, cause I can't say enough about her... the other day she just randomly gives me a running shirt because she thought I would like it.  But, one of the coolest things, in my opinion, is something she recently said to me. On one of our 20 milers as I was running up the Century hill right at the end of our run, she was right behind me and she yells out "Michelle, you're a natural marathoner".  I don't no why, but that simple, encouraging comment meant so much to me, and gave me so much confidence.  It pops into my head any time now that I get tired or discouraged on a run.     I could go on and on, but she has just turned into an awesome friend and all because of running.

Wow, how do I sign up to be Jen's running partner?  Thanks Jen for shifting to a higher gear in small ways. Look at the huge impact you have made on someone just because you took the time to do and say small things.  You are totally awesome.


See how great if feels to shift to a higher gear. Let's celebrate others who are doing these great things in life. I know that you know these people. Infact you might even be that person. I want to hear it all. Share your stories with me at mailto:shifttoahighergear@gmail.com  I would love to spotlight you and your friends or anyone it doesn't even have to do with running. 
  Keep shifting gears.
Corrine. Lots more to come so keep reading.

If you like this story please share it with others anyway you can.
Plus leave me a comment I like sharing but like hearing from you too.

What a month and a half it's been

Not sure why but today for some reason I am really missing my Daddy. Got some great stuff happening that I would love to tell him about but I guess he already knows.
Keep coming back this week. I am back from vacation and I have a great spotlight to share this week and preparation for newport in two weeks.

Trying to make fruit loops

Man alive. Today I find myself in Utah and I just finished a horrible run. I am trying not to get discouraged but after running this morning it makes the goals I have set seem like huge, huge, mountains. Now, I know there are many obstacles I have had to deal with and I am trying to keep that in my view. Let me share with you just a few from the last few days.
      I have been in the car for three days straight for longer than an hour or two at a time.
      I have not been in my own bed.
      My kids have not slept at all/ In fact my nine year old was up all night last night because he knew that big foot was in our bedroom.(thanks Dad for letting him watch that show yesterday)
      I am totally and completely dehydrated. You know when you hit mile two of your run and you would do anything for a drink you have not been drinking enough.
      Had to attend a funeral for my grandma. (the funeral in its self wasn't bad. Glad I could celebrate my grandma's life)
     I live at 400 feet elevation and today find myself somewhere around 4000 feet elevation.
    Its hot today. Not complaining about the sun just not use to it being hot at 9 am.
So add all of these up and you get a crappy run today.I know I need to cut myself some slack but when you have a marathon looming three weeks from now you kinda start questioning yourself on days like today.

Oh well, I am going to make fruit loops out of all this and I am going to Disney Land today. (yep another day in the car but it ends in the happiest place on earth)

Keep shifting gears.
corrine
ps. good luck to all those that are running the Ogden half this weekend. Wish you the best.

So, today I am so stinking excitied to start off our shift to a higher gear spotlight!!! I don't think you understand how excitied I am to be doing this and to start celebrating the good things people in this world are doing. I have already recieved some more tips on good people that I am going to be spotlighting in the weeks to come. So, please keep emailing me at shifttoahighergear@gmail.com

Ok, so lets get this going.  I first have to tell you that I believe in the power of prayer. I believe we can get answers to our prayers. I have had many instances that I could site about this but today I want to tell you that I found this man because of prayer. I have never personally met this man or his sister that I have been corresponding with. I have just been praying for help with this spotlight and wondering where I should go to find these people. A thought was given to me to go to facebook and look at one of my friends "likes" page. She honestly had hundreds of "likes" but this mans page stood out to me among the others. This man is doing something big!  Something for his mother and for his family and for children that have cancer and their families. I would like to introduce you to Mike.

I have talked with Mike through email and also his sister. She is handling the behind the scene actions so she has answered the questions about Mike.

1.Who is Mike?
      Mike is an ultrarunner and an amazing guy.  He used to not always run, but really kicked it into gear after he had cancer.  He has competed in and done very well in several 50 and 100 mile races (I'd have to get a list from him because I lost track).  He lives in Idaho and works as an apprentice electrician.


2. What is it that he is doing?
    Mike is running across the state of Idaho.  He will start in Fruitland at the Idaho/Oregon border and will run 50 miles per day until he reaches the Idaho/Wyoming border - for a total of between 400-450 miles.  Our dad will follow him (or go ahead) with his truck and camp trailer hooked to the back.  Might sound kinda hokey, but what else does a person do?  Our dad will be his main crew, first aid person, etc.  He will most likely start about 6 or 7 every morning and finish around dinner time and will alternate between running and walking.  There will be a mixture between uphills and downhills. 
    We are trying to figure out a way to make it so his progress can be tracked on the blog after he gets going.  We haven't quite figured that out yet. So,, keep looking.


3. Why is Mike doing this?
    He is doing this for a variety of reasons - not all of which we have talked about on the blog/facebook page.  One of which is that this year would have been our parent's 50th anniversary, but our mom passed away almost 2 years ago.  Their anniversary is June 8th (the day Mike is starting the run).  He thought this would be a great tribute to her.
    Another reason is that he is a crazy ultrarunner and wanted to see what he could do physically.
    Most importantly, he wanted to see what he could do to help someone else out.  I learned about The Tenley Foundation from my friend, who is the founder, and told Mike about it.  We thought it would be a great cause to help out (and we thought our Mom would approve).  You can find more information about them from our blog www.mikesextramile.blogspot.com or www.idahofighters.blogspot.com. 
 Or "like" Mike on facebook here

4. How can people help you and this foundation?
    People can help the foundation by clicking the "donate" link on our blog.
    People can help Mike out by following him on the facebook page and by sharing it with their friends.  The more people we get the word out to, the better.

I love what Mike is doing. I think that this is great opportunity for all of us to shift to a higher gear and support Mike out as well as these kids and their families. There is that old saying that many hands make light work. So it is here. If we all just did a small bit here a lot could happen and a lot of good could come out of small acts. Imagine if we all shared this story how many people would it reach? Now, imagine if all those people could donate just one dollar to this foundation? So, I am asking you to share this blog post on your facebook wall (the share button is at the top left of this page). I want you to "like" Mike on his facebook page. I would also like you to check out the two blogs listed up above and give Mike some encouragement. If you can please consider donating to this great cause. If you check out the idaho fighters blog you can see some of the kids and read their stories and see who Mike and you and I can help.  Just like Mike's sister said the more the word can be spread the better. It is our turn to shift to a higher gear and spread the word.

Thank you Mike for allowing me to spotlight you on my blog today. I love what you are doing and hope we all can shift into a higher gear and help in some way.

Today is the day to shift up.
Sincerely ,
Corrine

P.S. if you would like to nominate someone for this spotlight please email me at shifttoahighergear@gmail.com  The acts of love can be big or small I want to hear them all.

Fruit Loops!!

Well when life throws you for a loop its best just to turn it into fruit loops. Yep, then at least you can enjoy something sweet and yummy instead of worrying about the loop in life you have been thrown. So, life threw me another loop. I am suppose to be running the hippie chick half marathon this weekend. I was actually looking forward to it. I wanted to see how well I could do and gauge my marathon off of this half ,but that is not going to happen. I will be trading in my 13.1 mile run for a 12 hour car ride to Idaho. My sweet little 93 year old grandma passed away this last weekend. Yes, it is very sad. I love my grandma. She was one tuff lady, but it was her time and she was ready to go home to her Heavenly Father and all her family who has already gone before her. The good news is that I get to see my family mom, Aunt, Uncle, cousing, siblings. Seeing family is always a great thing.
    Since I won't be racing this weekend I changed up my workouts for the week. Last night I went on a 25 mile bike ride and found this quite road that is one long hill. I have got to be adding a lot more hills to my riding for the triple bypass. Climbing this road was tuff but it felt good. I woke up this AM tired and really didn't want to get out of bed, but I knew I had to. So, I ran on tired legs this morning. I didn't run fast and in fact I didn't even care what my pace was I knew that I just had to run. To me this is good training for a marathon. You have to learn to run when you are physically and mentally tired. In a marathon you have to learn to push threw the tired feelings and keep placing one foot in front of the other until you are finished. Life is like this a lot of times too. We may have to slow down but we have to keep putting one foot in front of the other even when we are tired and just want to quit. I tell you my grandmother was a great example of this. The stories of her sweet life are such and example to me of how you have to keep going and life will get better. My grandmother grew up on the border of Driggs Idaho and Alta Wyoming.  Grandma became really good with riding horses. In fact she was so good that the people of the town hired her to ride their horses in the races that they held on main street in Driggs. One such race my grandmother came to the turn around point and her horse fell. My grandmother quickly got that horse back up on its feet and she still won the race. Right on grandma!!

Grandma started out on horses very young.

So, like I said when life throws you for a loop make fruit loops out of it and keep placing one foot in front of the other and you will come out on top.

Keep shifting gears.
Corrine
P.S. My in box should be full of good things people have done for my spotlight. Lets here it no matter how small you think it may seem. I want to here it. shifttoahighergear@gmail.com

shift to a higher gear

shift to a higher gear

Lets take each other by the hand and help each other out and celebrate the good in life.

    I told you in one of my previous posts that I have been thinking about these five words a lot, "shift to a higher gear."  I kept having the feeling that something good could come out of this tragedy by using those five words. I have an idea and I want to share it with you today and I want you to help me with it.  I don't want this blog to be just about me and the things that I am doing. I want it to be about you and others around you and how we can help and inspire each other to shift to a higher gear.
     The week after my Dad's death we all sat around and stories were told of my Dad. There were three stories I was told that I would like to share briefly with you.  One time a young man was in the sports store that my Dad worked at. This young man wanted to buy a bike as a gift for his wife. My Dad helped him select just the right one. Well, when they got up to the cash register to pay the young man was short a little bit on money. My Dad grabbed his wallet and pulled out the money that this young man needed so that he could purchase this bike.
   The second story involves the sports store as well. There was another young man who had some physical and mental handicaps. This young man's form of transportation was his bike. If he had a flat he would stop by the sport store and ask for some help. One time when my Dad was helping this young man he noticed that the seat on his bike was in really bad shape and that it was probably not very comfortable to even sit on. My Dad happened to know where this young man worked so one day my Dad and his wife went there with a wrapped gift. Yep, my Dad had bought this young man a new seat for his bike.
   The third story came from and old family friend. He told me that he credits my Dad for saving his life from type II diabetes. He said that many years ago my Dad introduce him to cycling and help this man get into shape by taking him out on rides.  This man is still riding his bike and still credits my Dad for helping him and saving his life.

 Now, my point in sharing these stories is not to boast about my Dad. I know that we all know and have witnessed many other people stepping up and doing things like this for other people. In fact you may have been that person,or you may have been the recipient of these kinds deeds.  There are a lot of good people in this world doing a lot of good things. I want to celebrate those people and share what they are doing no matter how small or big the act may be. I also want to share the stories of others who have set goals for themselves and are shifting gears so that they can meet those goals. (i.e- the 70 year old woman who decided she wanted to learn how to swim, the person who decided that they wanted to learn to play the piano, the person who tried out for something even when they were scared, etc)
I already have a few people in mind but I want to hear from you. Tell me about your goals and the good things that you see happening in your world. I will spotlight this person here on the blog and send them a shift to a higher gear award. It always feels good to be noticed for the good things we are doing. So, please help this small blog try and do big things.

You can share your stories with me at  shifttoahighergear@gmail.com
My email box should be flooded with stories of the good that is happening in this world.
Stay tuned this week and be ready for my first spotlight. This man is doing something great and he needs our support.

Keeping shifting gears.
Corrine

Goal number 2

This is me (Corrine) running the 2006 Newport Marathon. I was around mile 15 still smiling. Little did I know three miles late a giant brick wall was heading my way.

      My dad taught me how to farmer blow, or snot rocket whatever you want to call it. I know, totally gross. However, this little trick has come in handy on many runs and many bike rides. I remember my Dad saying, "there is nothing worse that using a Kleenex on a sweaty face."  My Dad also taught me some other tricks to use while running. Like when you are running up hill. He taught me to keep my cadence the same but shorten my stride. He told me that when I get a side ache I should hold it and breath out every time the opposite foot from my ache hit the ground.  (it totally works). My Dad taught me how to run. I love running. Running has taught me so many things about myself.
Running has taught me:
      to have confidence in myself
      that I can do hard things
      that I can do things by myself
      that if I set a goal and really work I can achieve it.
      that the body can do amazing things.
      that determination and hard work pay off.
      that if I fail to meet a goal and I hit that proverbial wall it's okay.
      that peace in the morning before the sun comes up is amazing.
      that I am strong.

  My Mom one time in college convinced me to run a 5K in town. I was way nervous and didn't want to do it, but she persisted. My Mom paid my entry fee and I showed up for race day. You know what happened? I won. I was the first female finisher overall. (now lets be honest the field wasn't very deep for this particular race) I had no idea that I had won until they announced it over the PA system. I had won a new pair of running shoes. I think this might have been when the racing side of my running started.  I have not won any race since that day and I don't think I have placed in the top three in any category since then but that's okay. I love races. There is such an energy and enthusiasm. You should go watch a race any race sometime and stand at the finish line. I promise it will excite you.

My dads strong face.

The shoes I won by submitting my Dads photo above.

  My Dad ran the Boston marathon. Something I have wanted to do. To be honest I wanted to be able to call him after I ran a quailfiing time to tell him. So, guess I will just have to tell you instead. ( He will know I'm pretty sure.)

My goal number 2: Is to run a Boston Qualifing time on September 1st 2012.  AAAHHH.
This is the Pocatello, Iddaho marathon and its on my Dad's birthday. He ran some distance of this race every year. In fact he ran a 3:05 one year in a cotton T-shirt.  Holy Crap thats fast.

This is so totally scary to put out there, but this blog is all about shifting to a higher gear. Now for your part. Lace up your shoes and start running or walking (yes my dad even walked this race last year do to injury) so you can join me at the distance of your choice on Sept. 1st.  Tell me about your goal and I will help you get there and you can help me.

P.S. any one willing to do this I will make a temporary tattoo of my logo that you can wear race day so we can run as a team. We will know each other and can help each other out along the way.

Healing

It's probably about time you heard from me (Josie). They say it's healing to write.  So I write.  Although the words don't come easy. We (my sister and I) write to make sense of our life and release the hurt inside.  I recently read a book called, Sunset, and the author had the same feelings I did.

He said, "How do you say good-bye to part of yourself? I haven't learned this yet.  The finality is too overwhelming.  Could it be that this is an unconscious witness that we don't need to say it because there is no such finality?"  I believe so.  It's hard for me to say good-bye.  I once heard that grieving allows us to heal, remembering with love.  I think that's our purpose in Shifting to a higher gear.  Remembering our dad with love, and letting ourselves heal at the same time by pushing ourselves to become better.

Last November my dad, his wife, and I signed up to run the Ogden Half marathon.  My step mom and I have been running together this winter and getting ready for the race.  The race is only three weeks away.  There was no question in my mind that I should still run the race.   There is no question in my mind that my dad will be with me every step of that race too.

So I will run the Ogden 1/2 in his honor.  It's more than just a race to me.  It's another way for me to remember my dad with love.

I will run with more purpose now.  I will push myself to be better, to shift to the higher gear and become a better person because of this experience.  I recently read a quote on another blog of a classmate whose son is battling cancer it reads: "Things don't go wrong and break your heart so you can become bitter and give up.  They happen to break you down and build you up so you can be all that you were intended to be." Samuel Johnson

Keep Shifting...
Josie